Mexico vs Brazil
Mexico are preparing extensively for the upcoming Copa America by engaging in a couple of International Friendly games against some of their potential opponents in the continental tournament.
After suffering a huge 4-0 loss against Uruguay, Mexico will be looking to bounce back against Brazil at Kyle Field on Saturday, which is by no means an easy task, as per the International Friendly 2024 odds.
While this is going to be the last exhibition game for El Tri, that is not the case for the Samba Boyz, who will take on the USA next Wednesday after Mexico.
Brazil are one of the favourites to win Copa America, and they are out to remind both Mexico and the USA why this is the case prior to the actual festivities.
Check out the SBOTOP preview of this match by reading more below.
Talking Points
Gimenez leads Mexico’s new look
If Mexico are going to enjoy a deep run in the Copa America this summer, it’ll likely be on the back of a superb tournament from their young striker Santiago Gimenez.
Although he has yet to hit his full stride with El Tri, with only four goals in 26 caps, Gimenez is poised to have a breakout tournament because he is in great form.
The 23-year-old striker is coming off a brilliant 2023-24 campaign for Feyenoord, as he was their leading scorer with 23 goals and six assists. Those totals are good for third in the Dutch Eredivisie Golden Boot race.
Gimenez will be joined up front by Julian Quinones and Uriel Antuna. With Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez omitted from the squad, Quinones, who made his national team debut in the fall after becoming a naturalized citizen, will be thrust into a big role in the final third.
Guillermo Ochoa is also removed from the roster, so the No. 1 goalkeeper position will be up for grabs for Mexico. Carlo Acevedo, Luis Malagon, and Raul Rangel will battle for the coveted role.
Raul Rangel started for El Tri against Uruguay, but he conceded four goals, so Jaime Lozano will continue to evaluate his options.
In the middle of the park, it’s Edson Alvarez who will be the team’s anchor man, and the West Ham United man will be joined by fellow mainstays Luis Chavez and Erick Sanchez.
Ins and outs for Brazil
Similar to Mexico, Dorival Junior will introduce a raft of changes to their roster ahead of the Copa America.
Casemiro, Richarlison, and Neymar are among the notable exclusions, according to the International Friendly 2024 news, while Ederson will not be around since the Manchester City goalkeeper is still dealing with an eye injury.
Alisson will be the man between the sticks for the Samba Boyz, while the Real Madrid contingent of Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior could join in the starting lineup.
Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, and Douglas Luiz are all in contention too, and they will likely represent the Premier League alongside Alisson.
But more than anything, Brazil fans will be clamoring for Endrick, who will likely come off the bench for this match for his fifth cap.
The 17-year-old standout is said to have immense potential in the final third, and we will get the chance to see why Real Madrid swooped him up in the transfer market.
History
Saturday marks the first meeting between Mexico and Brazil since the 2018 World Cup Round of 16. During their previous encounter, it was Brazil that came away with a 2-0 victory, as Neymar and Roberto Firmino both found the back of the net in the second half.
Brazil are on a four-game undefeated run against Mexico, as they haven’t lost since a 2-0 result during an exhibition game in June 2012.
Mexico are back in the Copa America after a five-year hiatus (because they weren’t invited due to a conflict of schedules). Their best run in the continental tournament was when they took home the silver medal in 1993 and 2001.
In stark contrast, Brazil are the third-winningest team in the Copa America, having won it nine times. The last time they won the continental tournament was in 2019.
The Samba Boyz finished as runners-up in 2021, as Argentina beat them 1-0 in the final, courtesy of Angel Di Maria’s goal. The 2024 Copa America was expanded to 16 nations (from 10), as the USA will host the tournament for the second time ever. This event will also act as a prelude to the 2026 World Cup, of which the Stars and Stripes are a joint host along with Mexico and Canada.
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